Read Online Once Upon A Time by Jo Pilsworth - Free Book Online Page A

pretzels and pop three in my mouth, taking in the
saltiness and the texture. ''Oh gosh have you tried pretzels and
peanut butter. It's a good treat, if you haven't you should.'' I
smiled as I walked to the door and looked back, just to see him
walk behind me.
    Making my way
out, the cold breeze hit my face and I breathed through my teeth. A
shiver ran down my body and I wrapped my arms around my torso and
took a glance at him. '' I love cold ... but this breeze ....
geez.''
Owain
Cadwalader
    As a Cŵn
Annwn, I don't need to wear the usual heavy clothing that humans
use for winter, but for effect, I had shrugged on a down jacket,
along with a scarf and hat. Seeing someone walk down a snow-bound
road in shirt-sleeves would just raise more questions than would be
needed.
    Of course, it
gave me a fantastic opportunity for another one of those
interesting human habits I had observed over the years: the sight
of a male with his arm around a female, protecting her from the
elements. Yes, I had seen Gavril and Aaleahya out walking the same
way, but it wasn't something I did. The lack of a partner was the
main reason.
    So, smiling, I
extended my arm to Merida. "There are advantages to my being built
like the proverbial outhouse, you know. How about I use some of
this bulk as a wind-break." I suggested. "No pressure." I hurry to
reassure her.

Chapter 2
Gavril
Negrescu
    As I came
downstairs, I had to stand to one side, as another group of Pack
younglings came squealing down the stairs, muffled up in hats,
coats and gloves. Their destination was the rear grounds of
Negrescu Hall, as they and other groups prepared piles of snowballs
for the forthcoming snowball battle.
    Their school
lessons for the day had finished an hour earlier just so that they
could prepare, with Bran and Alix supervising preparations. In the
kitchens, mountains of food had been prepared, and large vats of
mulled wine had been simmering. A spiced fruit punch had been
prepared for those who didn't wish to have any alcoholic
drinks.
    As much as
Zarek, Owain and Bran had planned tonight's party as a surprise for
Aaleahya and me, as Alpha, it would have been a bit difficult for
me to not be aware of a party involving the whole Pack, in my own
home. Still, I like a good party as much as anyone, and we had the
added interest that Owain was bringing a human to the event. Other
guests were also expected.
    It would be an
interesting evening, without a doubt.
Angharad
Lloyd
    Angharad Lloyd
I love the sound of happy children and handed them all my homemade
peppermint sticks as they ran by. “No running with them in your
mouth.” I have no idea if they heard me so I just shook my head and
went back to the kitchen. “Tell me what to do Eira, I’m too antsy
to sit still and wait for Owain to get back with his mystery date.
Can you believe it?”
    “ Ah Angharad, there is hope for everyone if that one finds a
mate.” Eira’s laugh was full and rather loud so I peered around her
shoulder to see half of the Ginger Brandy gone from her bottle.
“Celebrating early aren’t we Eira?” I scooted out of the way as she
snapped a dish towel my way and then pointed to a tray of
sandwiches. “Now get that tray out to the guest’s healer and leave
my celebraten alone.”
    I shook my
head and popped a finger sandwich in my mouth and hipped open the
door to the receiving hall. The noise got amplified when the pack
members saw fresh food heading their way so I swirled and dipped to
keep them away. “Paws off the food until after the outside
festivities. You’ve had enough.” Ren bumped my hip with his but I
was ready and stood firmly in place. My smile was haughty as I
turned around, feet spread to guard the table. “You need to try
harder than that Ren. Now go, destroy a snow fort or something.
Just watch out for feisty healers or you just may need them to
patch you up later. Of course they began laughing and Griff grabbed
me in a firemans hold while Ren raided enough sandwiches